National Salary Overview
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Median Salary
$64,898
Average (Mean)
$64,441
Employed Nationwide
9,900
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$68,764
Average (Mean)
$69,815
Employed Nationwide
26,870
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earns $3,865 more (6.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$64,898
$68,764
Average (Mean) Salary
$64,441
$69,815
Total Employment
9,900
26,870
States with Higher Pay
9
15
Salary by State: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 9 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 15.
| State | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $67,030 | $64,710 | +$2,320 | ||
| California | $59,820 | $64,760 | $-4,940 | ||
| Colorado | $66,610 | $80,500 | $-13,890 | ||
| Florida | $63,260 | $78,720 | $-15,460 | ||
| Illinois | $68,940 | $72,350 | $-3,410 | ||
| Indiana | $52,990 | $80,550 | $-27,560 | ||
| Louisiana | $59,560 | $64,040 | $-4,480 | ||
| Maryland | $66,510 | $76,200 | $-9,690 | ||
| Massachusetts | $82,490 | $84,010 | $-1,520 | ||
| Michigan | $48,320 | $62,590 | $-14,270 | ||
| Mississippi | $73,420 | $57,760 | +$15,660 | ||
| Missouri | $62,770 | $63,570 | $-800 | ||
| Montana | $78,230 | $72,220 | +$6,010 | ||
| Nebraska | $67,540 | $74,130 | $-6,590 | ||
| New York | $78,770 | $74,820 | +$3,950 | ||
| North Carolina | $79,050 | $78,490 | +$560 | ||
| Ohio | $63,780 | $61,160 | +$2,620 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $63,880 | $75,800 | $-11,920 | ||
| South Carolina | $52,030 | $78,500 | $-26,470 | ||
| Texas | $66,950 | $64,770 | +$2,180 | ||
| Washington | $66,100 | $64,780 | +$1,320 | ||
| West Virginia | $62,320 | $59,680 | +$2,640 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,480 | $64,870 | $-2,390 | ||
| Wyoming | $48,770 | $64,000 | $-15,230 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
On average across all states, a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $3,865 (6.0%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earn more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in 9 out of 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is $64,898 per year, compared to $68,764 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
There are more people employed as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. BLS reports approximately 9,900 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions and 26,870 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
Both Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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